McCain Puts the 'Pol' in 'Politically Incorrect'

Rape 'joke' turns spotlight on candidate's sense of humor

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 18, 2008 2:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – This week's flap over a rape joke John McCain reportedly made 22 years ago inspired Politico to recall the candidate's checkered history of telling jokes. Some examples:

A quip about why then-18-year-old Chelsea Clinton was "so ugly.”
Calling a young man who asked about his age “you little jerk" and adding, "You’re drafted!”

Comparing the French to "an aging actress of the 1940s who is still trying to dine out on her looks but doesn't have the face for it."
Threatening to name Phil Gramm ambassador to Belarus.
Speculating that growing US cigarette sales to Iran represent “a way of killing 'em.”

[Videos (1)]

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain jokes on his charter plane with a family friend, campaign manager Rick Davis, and Cindy McCain. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. smiles as he greets supporters on the tarmac in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, July 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., laughs with Michael Steele, former Maryland Lt. Gov., as he makes a campaign stop in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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McCain Puts the 'Pol' in 'Politically Incorrect'

Rape 'joke' turns spotlight on candidate's sense of humor